Mark 9:33-37

Find a way to separate yourself from whatever’s going on around you so you can fully enter into today’s passage. if you haven’t read the introduction to Mark’s Gospel, read it here.

Read Mark 9:33-37 imagining you were among those arguing on the road.

This is not the disciples’ finest hour. They have just come from the base of the mountain where Jesus called out the problem of unbelief, and before that they heard Jesus insist that anyone who follows him must lose their life to find true life, but apparently, they missed the point.

Jesus’ question exposes the misguided inner motivations of the disciples and leaves them speechless with embarrassment.

What drives or motivations do you have that would cause you embarrassment if they were exposed in front of Jesus? Take a moment to share these with Jesus recognizing that he loves you unconditionally just as you are but is always calling you to more.

Read Mark 9:33-37 again focusing on the image of Jesus and the child.

Children were the very bottom rung of the ladder of social hierarchy in Jesus’ day. In the act of singling out a child to teach his closest followers a lesson about true greatness, Jesus is once again turning the social norms of society on their head. When he says that those who wish to lead must first follow and then serve, he means it.

How do you react to the idea that welcoming those who are weak and insignificant is actually welcoming Jesus and ultimately welcoming God the Father?

Mother Teresa said that she saw “Jesus in disguise” in everyone she encountered - the sick, the poor, and everyone else. How might it change your interactions with the people you encounter today if you imagined that they were all Jesus in disguise?

Take a few moments as you end this time and ask Jesus to help you see him in everyone you encounter today. Then keep your eyes open and be ready to respond to anything the Holy Spirit prompts you to do in response to your Jesus sightings today and throughout the weekend.

If these meditations are helpful to you, please forward them to couple of friends.

Interested in going deeper? Check out The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide and blog.